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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Water Quality

Is there a water quality specification for water (deionised, distilled or otherwise) that is used in plating solutions? If not please advise of the suggested quality values required (e.g., is drinking water quality suitable, values for organic and inorganic contaminants, etc).

Thank-you for your help.

Matthew Parfitt
- Christchurch, New Zealand
1998

The answer to your question depends on the type of plating that you do and your customers requirements.

There are specifications for electronics finishing and electronic device manufacturing. Check at the ASTM web site for electronics water grades I through IV specifications.

Other than this there are many customer specifications. Typically the US automotive industry uses < 5 mg/l Total Dissolved Solids as a standard for final rinsing before painting or powder coating.

Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
1998

1) What effect does the deionisation of water have upon water properties such as viscosity and density over the temperature range 0 to 35 degrees C?

2) What are the limitations on material compatibility? Specifically is the use of 316/316L grade stainless steel acceptable, again within the temperature range 0 to 35 degrees C.

Thank you,

Andy Bevis
- New Milton, Hampshire, England
2001